Church History

The Story of Our Congregation

Peace Lutheran began officially as a mission congregation in November 1983, daughter of Lutheran Church of the Cross in Kent and granddaughter of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Renton. The Northwest District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod purchased eight-plus acres along Kent-Kangley Road for the new mission church in 1981 and a home in the Timberlane community for a parsonage in early 1983 in which a newly hired Vicar would live while serving a year at Lutheran Church of the Cross.

From August 1983 – 1984, Vicar Rod Flohr and his wife Beth arrived to help with the new mission church. Pastor Arnold Walta, pastor of Lutheran Church of the Cross, and Vicar Flohr took turns leading services at Timberlane Community Center and Covington Elementary School. In January 1984 the time came to name the mission church and from 19 possible choices, Peace Lutheran Church was chosen in a close vote. In March 1984, the property on Kent-Kangley was dedicated to the glory of God. Pastor Robert Kunz and his wife Ruth moved into the parsonage, arriving from St. Joseph, Missouri, in September 1984. Pastor Kunz served until 1992.

In February 1985, the congregation rented a small log cabin church near Lake Sawyer for services and ministries, and in June 1985, Peace was recognized by the NW District LCMS as a chartered congregation of 32 families, 101 members including children.

By July 1985, a formal Building Committee began making plans for building a church building of our own on the Kent-Kangley property. The District approved a construction loan of $225,000 and groundbreaking took place in April 1988. The congregation decided to be their own general contractor and hired Laborers for Christ, a group of retired, skilled trades people for the construction. Almost every member volunteered to help. With the Lord’s help and blessing, the sanctuary was completed in time to hold the very first Peace Lutheran church service on Christmas Eve 1988 with 256 worshippers in attendance. After more finishing of the building was completed, we finally dedicated the building in June 1989. By then, it was already evident that expansion plans should begin as soon as possible as two services were needed to accommodate a growing and enthusiastic ministry.

In September 1989

an Educational Unit Building Committee was formed to plan Phase II of the Long-Range plan. An additional 3,000 square foot Education and Fellowship Unit was approved and an additional $150,000 construction contract was awarded. Construction began in May 1991 and was completed in September in time for Sunday School Rally Day. The taking down of quite a few trees to the southwest of the addition also expanded the parking lot.

Fall of 1991

The Preschool Project team began planning and by the fall of 1992, 36 children, ages 3–5 were enrolled. After an initial $3500 was raised, it became a self-supporting school with a teacher/director and two teacher/assistants. The enclosed playground was constructed and another ministry of Peace Lutheran was underway. .

Interim Pastor

Pastor Gordon Kloehn from Spokane served as interim pastor for a year. He commuted to be with us, going home only two or three days each week.During this time, a Call Committee began a search for a permanent pastor for Peace. Pastor William Beversdorf accepted the call, and he and his wife Karen and daughter Stephanie moved to Covington in July from Canoga Park, California. On August 22, 1993, Pastor Beversdorf was installed as Peace’s second pastor. He served until 2006.

With the congregation growing, and a feeling of wanting to include more of our community, the congregation decided to search for a Minister of Music who would help start a Contemporary Service at Peace each week. Kris Belfils served from1997 to 1999. A Contemporary Service was added. Under Kris’ leadership a cantata and Passion Play with many members taking part in this very beautiful story of our Lord’s ministry on earth and His sacrifice for the whole world.

Gerod Bass served as our youth and music director from 1999 – 2007.

Portables were added as we needed to expand space for meetings and Sunday School classes.

Brian Keiper served as our youth and music director from 2008 -2009.

Deacon Larry Cournoyer was assigned to fill the spiritual leadership position during the call process for a new pastor until 2008.

Eric Thompson served as our youth and music director from 2008 to 2009.

Pastor Paul Gossman accepted the call to Peace in 2009 and served until 2015.

Andrew Potsko served as our youth and music director from 2010 to 2014

The foregoing narrative tells the history of Peace Lutheran Church from many memories and writers. This can’t be a complete story though until we all meet again in heaven. Progressing through the years, Peace has experienced much generosity of time, talent and treasures – especially the many hours of volunteer service by the members. Fellowship among all of us is so important and we remember many: Strawberry Fest’s, St. Patrick’s Day Mystery Dinners, Bingo/White Elephant nights, Pie Auctions, Building Fund Auctions, talent shows, chili cook-offs, Easter breakfasts and Campfire Breakfasts, Youth Group, Leadership and Women’s group retreats, parking lot sales, church picnics and many other member gathering events. We’ve also experienced the joys of baptisms, confirmations and weddings and comforted each other at times of trouble, goodbye potlucks, and funerals. The story of a church is the people – glorifying our Lord Jesus, serving God and helping one another. Peace Lutheran is still striving to be the friendly family church. Earnest prayers that with God’s help, we can continue the mission of Peace Lutheran Church:

Praising God with Passion
Encouraging Families with Friendship
Applying God’s Word with Relevance
Connecting People with Christ
Equipping Followers of Christ for Service in the World